Klarinet Archive - Posting 000410.txt from 1998/02

From: "Jason Hsien" <jasonavhs@-----.com>
Subj: That "rich, dark tone" we're all looking for
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 1998 05:21:49 -0500

If anyone who is anyone who has been in high school band and a clarinet
knows that the conductor always looks for that quite impossible "rich, dark
tone" opposed to that "happy, bright tone" we all have naturally.

That said, after looking at the Dis/Advantages threads (and thank you all
for your replies. It has helped), I started working around with my bass
clarinet (For probably the first time ever, I turned it around and looked at
the keywork. It's a Selmer professional model, only about 3 years old, and
goes down to Eb, with the "jointed neck"). When played in the soprano
position, it's sound is brighter, yet when I play it in the "alto sax
position" (you know, like a sax, but between your legs), it gave me that
darker sound. I never really noticed before because I never tried playing it
in the soprano position. It was awkward (most likely because I never played
a bass clarinet angled before. I thought it'd be like playing tenor sax
but... it definately isn't) to say the least.

Anyone else take heed of this before I? If any teachers out there have bass
clarinetists, better start teaching this if it really works. (better to
teach it right than struggle later) Professional bass clarinetists on this
list have also said that it helps to tilt it when going to the upper
registers. May I ask what model of bass clarinet you folks use? Perhaps my
Selmer is just more suited or I'm just the abnormal one, because I was able
to go to high D (open with register or 2-3-4) without trouble. (well okay, a
little bit of tension. Hey, it's a bass clarinet!)

Jason Hsien
jasonavhs@-----.com
------------------------------------
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